UPDATE: Tributes to ‘brilliant and superb’ headteacher from Bradfield Combust who died after falling from horse

A community has been left in shock after the sudden death of a Sudbury primary school headteacher from Bradfield Combust.

Staff and parents have expressed their sadness at the death of Woodhall Community Primary School headteacher Lesley Farrow who died after falling from a horse.

On the school website a statement from deputy headteacher Helen Arbon read: “It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the sudden and tragic death of our Headteacher, Mrs Lesley Farrow.

“We have told the children and have put in a range of support.

“A letter with more details will be sent home with your children this afternoon.”

The 47-year-old from Bradfield Combust, who had only been in the position since September, had been a teacher at Ixworth Middle School during her career.

Geoff Barton, head at King Edward VI School, in Bury St Edmunds, said: “I can’t describe how shocked I am by this news.

“I knew Lesley over many years - she was a brilliant teacher at my children’s school, Ixworth Middle, where she inspired so many young people, including my sons.

“I would then occasionally meet her and catch up on her career as a superb deputy and then headteacher.

“She died doing something she was passionate about, but the sense of loss is terrible, and we will all be thinking of her family at this difficult time.”

Parish Councillor Andy Tucker, of Bradfield Combust, said: “We were very saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Lesley who dedicated her life to teaching our youngsters; on behalf of everyone in the village and the parish we offer our condolences and our thoughts are with Lesley’s family and friends.”